Seoul, South Korea Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Eat & See (2026)

Seoul Travel Guide 2026: Where to Stay, What to Do & Hidden Gems

Seoul is the kind of city that reveals itself in layers. At first glance, it’s neon lights, busy crossings, and buildings rising so fast you swear they appeared overnight. But look a little closer, and you start noticing the contrasts: a Buddhist temple tucked between skyscrapers, hanok rooftops peeking over modern cafés, a quiet alley filled with the smell of soy and sesame, or a river that somehow slows time in a city of ten million people.

Seoul is old and new, serene and chaotic, tradition and reinvention, all happening at the same time. And that’s exactly what makes traveling here so special: every day feels like discovering a new version of the city.

If you’re planning a trip to Seoul, this guide brings together everything you need: the best time to visit, what neighborhoods actually feel like, where to eat (including vegan spots), how to get around, what to see, what to skip, and the small details that make navigating Korea so much easier.

Quick Seoul Travel Facts

✈️ Best Time to Visit: April-May (spring) or September-November (fall)

⏰ Recommended Stay: 5-7 days for first-timers

💰 Daily Budget: $80-150 (mid-range traveler)

🚇 Getting Around: Subway with T-Money card

✅ Safety Level: One of the safest major cities in the world

📍 Follow my Seoul adventures: Instagram, TikTok & YouTube

**BOOK SEOUL TOURS & EXPERIENCES**
Skip the planning stress, I book all my Seoul tours and experiences through GetYourGuide or Viator.
**Top picks:**
- DMZ Tour from Seoul (best-selling, English guides)
- Seoul: Night Market Food Tour (Local Guide)
- Seoul: Baseball Stadium Game (Ticket with Dinner & Beer)
- Nami Island Day Trip (photos included)

Best Time to Visit Seoul: Weather & Seasons Guide

The best time to visit Seoul is spring (April-May) or fall (September-November), when the weather is mild, and the city is at its most beautiful.
Spring (April-May):
∙ Cherry blossoms peak early to mid-April
∙ Mild temperatures (15-20°C / 59-68°F)
∙ Festivals and outdoor events
∙ Downside: Peak tourist season, higher hotel prices, crowded at major sites

Fall (September-November):
∙ Arguably the BEST time to visit Seoul
∙ Spectacular autumn foliage (ginkgo trees turn golden)
∙ Comfortable temperatures (10-20°C / 50-68°F)
∙ Perfect hiking weather
∙ Downside: Also peak season, especially late October

Summer (June-August):
∙ Hot and humid (25-35°C / 77-95°F)
∙ Monsoon season with frequent rain
∙ Fewer tourists
∙ Great for indoor activities (cafés, shopping, museums)
∙ Best for: Budget travelers who don’t mind humidity

Winter (December-February):
∙ Cold but often sunny (−5 to 5°C / 23-41°F)
∙ Winter markets and Christmas lights
∙ Ice skating rinks
∙ Winter fashion season (Koreans dress incredibly well)
∙ Best for: Cold-weather lovers, winter sports, fewer crowds
Avoid if possible: Korean holidays (Lunar New Year in late Jan/early Feb, Chuseok in Sept/Oct) when many restaurants/shops close and transportation is packed.

Is Seoul Safe for Tourists?

Seoul is one of the safest major cities in the world for travelers. You’ll see people reserving café seats with their wallets and leaving laptops out for hours.

Still, keep normal travel awareness:

• Watch for pickpocketing in major markets

• Keep an eye on late-night areas like Itaewon

• Follow signage when using subways; Koreans move fast

For solo travelers, especially women, Seoul is incredibly navigable and comfortable.

How Long to Visit Seoul

For a first trip, I recommend:

• 3–4 days → Surface-level hits

• 5–7 days → A good mix of culture, food, markets, and neighborhood exploration

• 10+ days → You settle into the city’s rhythm (highly recommended)

Seoul rewards slow travelers; there’s a lot hidden between the obvious.

Currency + Costs for Visiting Seoul

South Korea uses the Korean Won (KRW).

Seoul isn’t cheap, but it’s versatile:

• Transportation: Extremely affordable

• Cafés & bakeries: $4–8 drinks, $3–10 pastries

• Meals: $8–15 for casual dining; $15–25+ for vegan restaurants; street food $1–4

• Hotels: Varies widely by neighborhood, $60–250+

• Beauty treatments: Surprisingly affordable compared to the US/Europe

How do I get around Seoul?

Seoul’s public transportation is world-class and ridiculously easy for tourists. Here’s everything you need to know:
Seoul Subway (Best Option):
∙ 23 lines covering the entire city
∙ Clean, safe, efficient, and air-conditioned
∙ Trains run 5:30 am–midnight
∙ Cost: ₩1,250-2,000 per trip ($1-1.50 USD)
∙ Get a T-Money card at any subway station or convenience store

How to use the Seoul subway:
1. Buy T-Money card (₩2,500 deposit + load money)
2. Tap in and tap out at turnstiles
3. Use KakaoMap or Naver Map for directions (NOT Google Maps)
4. Follow color-coded signs (even if you can’t read Korean)
5. Trains announce stations in English

Buses:
∙ Extensive network, but harder for tourists
∙ Same T-Money card works
∙ Use KakaoMap to see routes
∙ Great for reaching residential neighborhoods

Taxis:
∙ Download Kakao T app (Korean Uber equivalent)
∙ Clean, regulated, and affordable
∙ Base fare: ₩3,800 ($3 USD)
∙ Drivers rarely speak English (have your destination in Korean on your phone)
∙ Avoid random street taxis in tourist areas (use app instead)

Walking:
∙ Seoul is very walkable in most neighborhoods
∙ Expect 15,000-20,000 steps per day
∙ Comfortable shoes are essential
∙ Sidewalks are well-maintained
Airport to Seoul:
∙ AREX (Airport Railroad Express): ₩9,500, 43 minutes to Seoul Station
∙ Airport Limousine Bus: ₹15,000, 60-90 minutes, goes to major hotels

∙ Private Airport Transfer: Incheon to/from Seoul: price varies (a great example - up to 7 people)
∙ Taxi: ₩60,000-80,000 ($45-60), 60-90 minutes depending on traffic

Best tip: Memorize your hotel’s nearest subway station in Korean characters. Take a photo on your phone. This makes returning home effortless, even without speaking Korean.

📸 Follow me on Instagram [@erinparro_travel] for more Seoul café recommendations and photos!

SIM, eSIM, or WiFi Egg

Connectivity matters in Seoul—signs change languages, directions switch underground, and digital payments are everywhere.

You can choose:

• eSIM (easiest) - My recommendation is to use Saily, an eSIM service designed for travelers seeking affordable and flexible mobile data solutions.

• Airport SIM card

• WiFi egg (portable hotspot)

Where to Stay in Seoul: Best Neighborhoods for First-Time Visitors

Choosing where to stay in Seoul completely shapes your experience. Seoul neighborhoods each have a distinct personality, and your accommodation location determines which side of the city you'll experience most. Here's my guide to the best areas to stay in Seoul:

Myeongdong — Central & Shopper-Friendly: Tourist-heavy but convenient. Great for first-time visitors who want easy access to everything.

Hongdae — Youthful, Creative, Lively: Street performers, cafés, vintage shops, nightlife. Great energy.

Mapo / Yeonnam-dong — Trendy, Cafe-Focused: Quiet but stylish, full of independent shops and cafés. A favorite for longer stays.

Gangnam — Modern, Upscale, Polished: Skyscrapers, boutiques, and plastic surgery clinics. Flashy but fascinating.

Itaewon — International & Eclectic: Global food, bars, vintage shops. Good for nightlife.

Insadong — Traditional & Artsy: Near palaces, tea houses, and cultural spots. Ideal for slower travel.

Neighborhood Personality Guide

Because Seoul is big, let’s go deeper:

Gwanghwamun: Government district, palaces, museums, wide boulevards. Clean, quintessentially Seoul.

Seongsu: Seoul’s “Brooklyn.” Converted warehouses, concept stores, slow-fashion brands.

Hannam-dong: Where celebrities live. Quiet luxury, gallery browsing, curated shops.

Apgujeong & Sinsa (Garosu-gil): Beauty clinics, designer labels, cafés with interiors so pretty you question your own home décor.

Seoul Accommodation: Where I Stayed & Recommendations

My Personal Seoul Stay
I stayed in Ikseon-dong and absolutely loved it, amazing café culture, easy subway access to everywhere, and far fewer tourists than Myeongdong or Hongdae. It felt like living in Seoul rather than just visiting.

Seoul Hotels & Guesthouses I Recommend:
**Budget-Friendly ($30-70/night):
- Hostels in Hongdae (social atmosphere, younger crowd)
- Guesthouses in Insadong (traditional feel, near palaces)
- Airbnb in residential neighborhoods (local experience)

**Mid-Range ($70-150/night):
- Boutique hotels in Gangnam (modern, clean, great amenities)
- Hotels near Myeongdong Station (central location, easy access)
- Hanok guesthouses in Bukchon (traditional Korean house experience)

**Luxury ($150+/night):
- Four Seasons Seoul (incredible views, Gwanghwamun location)
- Park Hyatt Seoul (Gangnam, sophisticated)
- Signiel Seoul (Lotte World Tower, highest hotel in Seoul)

**Book Seoul Hotels: I always use Hostelworld, Tripadvisor, or Trip.com for Seoul accommodation. In peak season (April-May, September-November), book at least 2-3 months ahead.

I stayed at Moxy Seoul Insadong, and loved the area, which was near public transit.

Best Things to Do in Seoul: Palaces, Markets, Cafés & Cultural Experiences

This is where Seoul, South Korea, truly shines: endless layers of history, design, food, nature, and culture. Whether you have 3 days or 3 weeks, these are the **top things to do in Seoul** that make the city unforgettable.

Palaces + Traditional Experiences

Gyeongbokgung Palace: The biggest and most iconic. Visit in the morning or late afternoon for perfect lighting.

Hanbok Rental Experience: Wearing a hanbok inside the palaces gives you free entry and makes the experience truly immersive.
Daehan Hanbok provided a seamless rental experience: beautiful designs, clean garments, and staff who know exactly what flatters your frame.

Bukchon Hanok Village: Winding alleys, traditional homes, small art studios, and one of the most picturesque parts of the city.

Traditional Korean Markets

Gwangjang Market is Seoul's most famous traditional market and street food heaven. This is where Korean food culture comes alive: try mung bean pancakes (bindaetteok), endless banchan, kimbap, and live octopus if you're brave.

Namdaemun Market: Korea's largest traditional market with kitchen goods, clothes, snacks, stationery, ginseng, and everything in between. Come early for the best Seoul shopping experience.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza + Shopping: Architecture plus fashion. Go at night for LED roses and nightlife energy.

Seoul Café Culture: Coffee, Desserts & Instagrammable Spots

Seoul takes café culture seriously; cafés in Seoul aren't just coffee stops, they're destinations. From minimalist design cafés to themed dessert spots, Seoul's café scene is world-class and a major part of Korean lifestyle culture.

Must-Visit Seoul Cafés:

A Flower Blossom on the Rice stood out beautifully: delicate, photogenic, and genuinely delicious. Their desserts feel like little works of art without tipping into gimmick territory.

Other café themes you'll find:

• Minimalist interiors (Seongsu-dong specialty)

• Vintage-inspired (Yeonnam-dong, Mangwon)

• Nature-infused rooftop cafés

• Dessert-specific: injeolmi (rice cake), matcha, strawberry, Korean rice cakes

• Traditional hanok tea houses (Insadong, Bukchon)

  **BOOK SEOUL TOURS & EXPERIENCES**
  Skip the planning stress, I book all my Seoul tours and experiences through GetYourGuide or Viator

Best Vegan Restaurants in Seoul (Plant-Based Seoul Travel Guide)

Seoul is surprisingly vegan-friendly once you know where to look. While traditional Korean cuisine is meat-heavy, Seoul's plant-based food scene has exploded in recent years. Here are the best vegan restaurants in Seoul that I personally visited and loved:

Vegetus: One of the best vegan meals I’ve had in Korea. Their menu is creative without overcomplicating flavors. A must-stop for plant-based travelers.

SunnyHouse: A cozy, welcoming space with great flavors and dishes that feel nourishing (and a gluten-free cafe in Seoul!).

More Vegan & Vegetarian Options in Seoul:

• Gosari Express (vegan fast food)

• byTOFU (Korean temple food)

• URT Bakery & Restaurant (vegan bakery & brunch)

**Vegan Seoul Travel Tip: Download HappyCow app to find vegan and vegetarian restaurants throughout Seoul. Many traditional Buddhist temple restaurants (사찰음식) are naturally vegan; search for "temple food Seoul" for authentic Korean vegan cuisine.

Seoul Beauty Treatments & Korean Skincare Experiences

Seoul is the global capital of beauty innovation, and experiencing Korean skincare treatments should be on every Seoul itinerary. From skin analysis to color consultations, these Seoul beauty experiences offer insights you can't get anywhere else:

Areuk Spa: This is a treatment worth planning your day around. Seoul has no shortage of skincare clinics, but Areuke stands out for its skin analysis, custom approach, and treatments that don’t feel rushed. If you’re looking for a “Seoul glow,” this is the one.

Colorize You: Color analysis is huge in Korea, and Colorize makes the experience approachable and actually useful. If you’re curious which colors flatter your skin tone, this is a fun, confidence-boosting experience and very “Korea-coded.”

Shopping District Breakdown

Hongdae: Youthful fashion, local designers, vintage shopping, accessories.

Myeongdong: Beauty stores, street food, tourist shopping, affordable clothing.

COEX / Starfield Library: Aesthetic, modern, and Instagram-famous.

Sinsa / Garosu-gil: Boutiques, indie Korean designers, polished cafés.

Seongsu: Concept stores, sustainable brands, curated lifestyle shops.

Best Day Trips from Seoul, South Korea

While Seoul has endless things to explore, these day trips from Seoul offer completely different experiences, from DMZ history to fairytale islands:

Nami Island: Soft, magical, especially in the fall. (Tour recommendation)

DMZ Tour: For history and political context. (Tour recommendation)

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress: UNESCO site with great views and cultural depth.

Incheon Chinatown & Fairytale Village: Colorful, walkable, photo-friendly.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

• Take shoes off inside homes

• Bring or buy small trash bags (public bins are rare)

• Avoid loud conversations on public transit

• Lines matter; Koreans queue politely

• Two hands for giving or receiving items

• Bowing is common, small, quick, and respectful

Helpful Tips for Seoul

• Convenience stores are lifesavers (snacks, ATMs, T-Money reloads)

• Download KakaoMap, Naver Map, Kakao T, and Papago

• Stay near a subway line if possible

• Have cash for smaller vendors

• Bring layers; the weather changes quickly

• Don’t rely on Google Maps

• Cafés often expect you to bus your own table

What should I pack for Seoul?

Must-pack items:
∙ Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll walk 15,000+ steps daily)
∙ Layers (weather changes quickly, buildings have aggressive AC/heat)
∙ Portable charger (essential for navigation apps)
∙ Slip-on shoes (constantly removing shoes at restaurants, homes, guesthouses)
∙ Compact umbrella (rain comes unexpectedly year-round)
∙ Unlocked phone (for eSIM or Korean SIM card)
∙ Universal adapter (Type C/F plugs, 220V)

Seoul-specific items:
∙ Small trash bags (public bins are rare)
∙ Tissues/hand sanitizer (some bathrooms lack these)
∙ Reusable shopping bag (stores charge for bags)
∙ Face mask (common in Seoul, required in some medical settings)
∙ Empty luggage space (you WILL shop for Korean beauty products)

Don’t bother packing:
∙ Shampoo/soap (all accommodations provide)
∙ Too many clothes (easy to do laundry, coin laundromats everywhere)
∙ Heavy guidebooks (everything’s digital)
∙ Towels (provided everywhere, even hostels)

Seasonal additions:
∙ Spring/Fall: Light jacket, sneakers, sunglasses
∙ Summer: Breathable clothes, light cardigan (for AC), sunscreen
∙ Winter: Warm coat, layers, scarves, heat packs from convenience stores

Are credit cards widely accepted in Seoul?

Yes, credit cards are extremely widely accepted in Seoul—more so than most Asian cities. South Korea is largely cashless, especially in Seoul.
Where cards work:
∙ All major restaurants and cafés
∙ Department stores and shopping malls
∙ Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven)
∙ Subway vending machines (T-Money reloads)
∙ Hotels and guesthouses
∙ Tourist attractions
∙ Taxis (via Kakao T app)

Where you need cash:
∙ Traditional markets (Gwangjang, Namdaemun)
∙ Street food vendors
∙ Small independent shops
∙ Some older restaurants in residential areas
∙ Temple entry fees
∙ Small cafés in less touristy neighborhoods

ATM tips:
∙ Use bank ATMs (avoid convenience store ATMs—higher fees)
∙ Withdraw larger amounts to minimize ATM fees
∙ KB Bank and Woori Bank ATMs work with most international cards
∙ Let your bank know you’re traveling (to avoid card blocks)
My experience: I used my credit card for 90% of purchases in Seoul. I only needed cash for Gwangjang Market street food and a few small vendors. Bring about ₩50,000 ($40 USD) in cash for your first day, then withdraw more as needed.